Single and Searching

by Rita Herron

  "Dog scratches his back on the sofa."

  Gabe arched an eyebrow. Dog sounded as if he was having an orgasm.

  Casey crinkled her nose, her nipples turning a darker pink shade as his eyes roved over them. "I know what it sounds like."

  "I'm going to make you pant even louder," he whispered. Then he lowered his mouth and kissed her breasts, taking time to lave each nipple, making suckling noises that had Casey clutching his arms and moaning out loud.

  She slid her fingers into his hair and clung to him. Heat blazed through him and he traced his fingers down her stomach to her navel. Slowly he fingered the sensitive skin around the edge of her pink lace panties, then stroked her inner thighs, teasing her through the lace.

  Casey's eyes flashed a brilliant shade of violet, glowing with passion, and Gabe placed his mouth where his fingers had teased. He felt the moisture through the lacy underwear and reveled in Casey's passionate response.

  "Oh, Gabe, I do want you," Casey whispered.

  Slow seemed like a good idea in the beginning, but slow didn't work with Casey. With one quick movement, he dragged her panties over her hips. Casey reached for his briefs, and bent to kiss his stomach. When she did, the tomahawk earrings he'd bought for her snagged on his underwear.

  Gabe yelped as the points pierced his belly.

  "I'm sorry." Casey struggled, trying to ease his briefs down, moving her head down his length in an attempt to free the earring. Gabe rolled his hips forward, trying to help, groaning as her hair stroked his thigh.

  She gripped his hips. "Wait a minute," Casey cried. "My ear's ripping."

  "Hurry, I'm in agony here."

  Casey tried to pry the earring loose and wound up at his ankles, the briefs tangled in her hair as she slipped them over his feet. Finally she untangled them, then removed her earring and waved his underwear in the air.

  Gabe chuckled as she tossed them over her head, but his laughter died when Casey reached out to touch his manhood in a shy gesture. His arousal leapt into her hand, aching to be inside her.

  "Wait, sweetheart." He grabbed his jeans and dug into his pocket. Casey watched him undo the foil packet.

  Not a triple extra-large but a double. He hoped she wouldn't be disappointed.

  She tried to help him stretch the condom over his length, but it snapped and flew from his hand, then bounced off the ceiling and landed on the floor. Casey quickly retrieved it and waved it at him with a teasing grin.

  "You'd better let me," Gabe said. Hell, if she helped him again, he might not be able to maintain control.

  Then she stroked the insides of his thighs and stretched out on the bed in invitation. He caught a glimpse of her moist femininity hiding in the shadows of her damp blonde curls and almost lost control. His breath caught and he pushed her down onto the bed, drinking in her beauty as he covered her body with his.

  Bracing himself on his arms, he rubbed his sex over her stomach, then parted her thighs with one knee. For a split second, he thought he saw fear in Casey's expression, and he held himself in check as she took in his size. Her gaze rested on his bulging erection, and Gabe felt swelled to the point of pain.

  But Casey's feelings mattered more than his.

  "I won't hurt you, sweetheart. I promise I'll never hurt you," Gabe said in a husky voice. He slipped one finger into her soft folds, teasing and touching her, his body throbbing with need at the sensual delight darkening her eyes. Casey moaned and arched her hips toward him, gripping his hips with her hands.

  Gabe groaned in ecstasy, and Casey pulled him tighter. "I want you, Gabe. Please make love to me."

  Her plea made him forget any reservations he had, and he stroked her inner thigh with his erection, parting her legs so he could surge into her. With a quick thrust he entered her, pushing and filling her.

  But suddenly he felt a barrier.

  He froze, hovering inside at the point of no return, then gazed down into Casey's eyes. The violet shade had darkened with passion and her lips were parted in a plea.

  Shock made his voice sound husky. "You're a virgin?"

  Casey sighed softly. "Yes, but please don't stop," Casey whispered. "I want all of you."

  Questions rattled through his head. Casey had a son..."How...?"

  Casey pressed a finger to his lip to silence him. Her eyes burned with heat as she ran her hands down his body, gripped his hips and urged him forward. "Please. I've never wanted anyone before, not like you."

  Hunger spiraled through him. He'd never wanted anyone like he wanted her either. In fact, his body trembled as his sex thickened, pulsing inside her, begging for completion.

  Casey arched her hips toward him, and Gabe exhaled, fighting for control. "I'll try to be gentle, " he said gruffly, "but it might hurt."

  "I don't care. I need you." When Casey jerked his hips forward, Gabe thrust into her with a hunger made greater by her innocence and her sweet heady words. He caught her soft cry with his mouth, then forced himself to give her body time to adjust to his invasion.

  "Are you okay?" he whispered raggedly.

  She cupped his face into her hands and kissed him tenderly. "This is perfect."

  Emotions assaulted him as his passion took over. He began to move in slow circular movements, easing himself in and out, teasing Casey's femininity, then gently thrusting back into her. Casey's passion-filled cries soon made his slow movements cease.

  The aching hunger burning through him exploded in the heat blazing between them as he filled her again and again. His movements became frantic and excited, her breaths erratic, her soft words of delight urging him to move harder and faster until she cried out in pleasure.

  She clutched his hips, dug her fingernails into his buttocks and buried her face into his chest as her body convulsed.

  Gabe groaned, then rocked inside her, smothering her face with hungry kisses as his own release spilled within her.

  * * *

  Casey closed her eyes, savoring the sensations rippling through her. Gabe's big body covered hers, then he tensed and trembled as he climaxed within her.

  Nothing had ever felt so wonderful and so right. Tears moistened her eyes, but she blinked them back, afraid Gabe would see the love shining through her tears. He was an experienced man, and she was the opposite. For goodness sakes, she was a klutz. He'd probably go home with a bruised eye and a sore butt.

  He'd certainly think she naive if she spouted words of love, but she had to bite her tongue to keep from doing so. And when she glanced down at their joined bodies, heat stirred within her again.

  Gabe moved slightly, his deep groan echoing against her neck. He kissed her hair, her throat, her lips, then the lone tear that trickled down her cheek. Raising himself slightly, he looked into her eyes, concern darkening his expression. "I did hurt you, didn't I?"

  Casey shook her head, but she thought she saw regret flash in his eyes.

  Was he sorry they had made love?

  With gentle fingers, she touched his lips. "It was wonderful, Gabe. Perfect." The intensity of his stare made goosebumps shimmy up her arms. She closed her eyes, praying he wouldn't be disgusted with her inexperience.

  "I don't understand." Gabe slid his leg over to the side and Casey clutched him, afraid he planned to leave.

  "Don't go yet," Casey whispered.

  "But I'm crushing you," he said in a deep voice.

  He rolled off of her, then pulled her to him, wrapped his arms around her and cuddled her against his chest. "I... you should have told me you were a virgin."

  She nuzzled her face into his chest. "But you... you liked it? I mean... even if I'm not experienced."

  Gabe chuckled, his breathing heavy. He stroked her arm, then raked his other hand over his face and sighed. Finally, he tilted her chin and looked into her eyes. "God, yes, but if I'd known, I ..." He looked away.

  "You what?" Casey tensed in his arms. "You wouldn't have made love to me?"

  Gabe frowned, his voice serious. "I don't know."

/>   Casey tried to pull away, but Gabe held her firmly in his arms. "No, I take that back. I would have made love to you sooner or later, but dammit, I would have done it differently."

  Casey traced a circle on his chest, hating the self-derision in his voice.

  "Your first time, I would have made it more special. If I'd known, I would have brought you flowers and candy and wine and taken you to a romantic dinner, not a ballgame with hot dogs and beer. Hell, I practically ripped your clothes off and attacked you in the living room."

  Casey nibbled his ear. "I liked it when you ripped my clothes off, didn't you?"

  Gabe sighed. "Yes, but I should have been gentle. It could have been better for you."

  Casey batted her lashes. "You mean it can be better? Well, you can always show me."

  Gabe snorted. "I'm serious. Your first time should have been special. I was a time bomb."

  "So, you're saying it wasn't special?" Casey arched an eyebrow.

  Gabe rolled his eyes in frustration. "No, that's not what I mean."

  Casey cupped his face into her hands, then kissed him thoroughly. "Gabe Thornton, being a virgin isn't a crime. And for your information, making love with you was the most special thing that's ever happened to me. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it as much as I did."

  Gabe coughed. "I didn't say I didn't enjoy it." As if to confirm his comment, his sex twitched to life again.

  Casey rubbed a finger over the tip. "Well, then stop saying it wasn't perfect, because it was incredible."

  He threw his hands up in mock surrender. "All right, I admit it. It was the best sex I've ever had."

  "The best?"

  Gabe kissed her neck. "Yes, the best."

  Casey's heart fluttered. "Good. And by the way, I don't need flowers or candy or any other romantic gifts," Casey added. "All I need is you."

  "Me?"

  "Yes, you. Tonight you gave me something far more wonderful than gifts."

  Gabe traced her lips with his fingers. "No, Casey, you're the giving one. You gave me your virginity. What could I possibly have given you in comparison to that?"

  Your love? But Casey ran her hands over his chest, biting back the words. She bit his nipple instead.

  "You are giving, Gabe. You made me laugh. You were patient and gentle with Henry S. And you held me and listened and understood while I made a fool out of myself."

  Gabe's expression turned solemn. "Casey, you didn't—"

  Casey silenced him with a kiss. "You didn't judge me."

  "God, Casey." Gabe hugged her to him, and Casey snuggled into his embrace, tracing a path down his stomach with her finger.

  "You'd better stop that. That's how this all started in the first place."

  Casey wiggled her tongue in his ear.

  "Casey?"

  Casey heard the questions still lingering between them. "Don't you like that?"

  "Yes, but hold that thought." Gabe eased up and rushed to the bathroom.

  Casey giggled. "You might need a stitch on your backside. It's turning purple. There's a butterfly bandaid in the cabinet."

  Gabe grimaced. "I'm not putting a Band-Aid on my butt and crawling back in bed with you. "

  She settled the covers around her, her heart soaring as he returned a moment later, then rolled her over, pinned her hands above her head. "I think you have some explaining to do, and I think you're trying to stall."

  Casey feigned innocence.

  "All along I thought you and that guy Brick were involved. I was so jealous I almost got an ulcer."

  Casey's pulse raced. So he was jealous. That was a good sign.

  "And then there's Henry S. You have a son. How in the world could you still be a virgin?"

  Casey released a deep breath. Gabe had listened to the story of her childhood. Surely, he would understand about Henry S.

  "First of all, Brick and I are just friends. There's never been anything between us."

  Gabe arched an eyebrow. "What about the condoms?"

  "Brick and his girlfriend, Shelia, stayed here with Henry S. one night when I had to go out of town for some workshops."

  Gabe sighed in relief.

  "And Henry S.?"

  "I adopted him."

  Gabe propped on his elbow so he could see Casey's face. "Adopted?"

  Casey pulled the sheet up to cover herself, but Gabe slid his hand underneath to cup her breast.

  Whether Casey realized it or not, she was his now. Forever. He wasn't just her first lover; he would be her only lover. But she might not be ready for him to tell her that yet, so he refrained from commenting.

  As soon as the investigation ended though, he would explain how this whole thing worked. Him Tarzan, her Jane.

  His reaction might be primitive— nonetheless, that was exactly how he felt about. But right now, he had questions that needed answers.

  "You're what—early twenties, Casey? Single, attractive, and independent and you just decided you wanted a child and adopted one by yourself? Couldn't you have waited to find a husband?"

  Casey's look turned defensive. "Women raise children by themselves all the time. Maybe I didn't want a husband."

  Gabe squinted in confusion. "Okay, maybe you didn't. But you wanted a child?"

  Casey fidgeted with the corner of the sheet, and for a brief second Gabe wondered if the adoption was legal. God, he hoped she wasn't keeping something like that from him. It certainly would explain her secrecy.

  "That's not how it happened." Casey finally answered. A plea for understanding tinged her voice. "Henry S.' birth mother was my best friend. Her name was Beverly Simon. That's why I use the S. with Henry's name. Shortly after Henry S. was born, Bev found out she had cancer."

  Gabe's throat closed.

  "The doctors couldn't do anything for her," she said in a low voice. "Bev didn't have any family, so she asked me to take care of Henry S."

  Gabe brushed his hand across her cheek, wiping a tear away.

  "What about his father?"

  Casey sniffed. "Travis Satterfield didn't want anything to do with Bev or Henry S. Even when he found out Bev was sick, he... he never came to visit."

  Travis Satterfield—the Travis who'd written the note to Casey? He was Henry S.' father?

  "He was on the phone earlier?" He almost told her he'd seen the letter, but he hoped she would confide in him.

  Casey twisted the top of the sheet in her hand, hedging.

  "Casey? What about him?" He covered Casey's hands with his, stilling her nervous fingers.

  "I hadn't heard from him until a couple of months ago. He called and said he wanted to see Henry S. and asked me to give him custody."

  "And you told him no?"

  She tightened her fingers inside his hand. "I couldn't let Travis have him. Bev signed the adoption papers before she died so there wouldn't be any problems afterwards. But she also set up a trust fund for Henry S. Her insurance money went directly into that trust fund."

  Now the pieces were falling into place. "And you think that's the reason his father came back? The money?"

  Casey nodded. "Travis has a terrible gambling problem. He's been in trouble before, had forged her signature, and stolen money from her savings account to pay off bills. When he came here out of the blue, suddenly wanting Henry S., I thought he wanted his trust fund to pay off gambling debts."

  "Is that what you told him?" Gabe asked.

  Casey chewed her bottom lip. "Yes. He was pretty angry when he left, and he's called several times threatening to take me to court."

  Gabe's heart started to pound. "Do you think he's dangerous?"

  Casey shrugged. "I don't know. I contacted my lawyer, and I'm hoping he'll give up soon."

  Gabe clenched his jaw. "So you're raising Henry S. because you didn't want him to end up in foster care like you?"

  Casey nodded through her tears. "I couldn't let that happen, Gabe." She paused and swallowed. "Although I did talk to Bev about him being adopted. Babies are easier to place than
older children, and he might have found a home with two parents, but Henry S. was already comfortable with me and I loved him, and Bev didn't want her baby being raised by strangers."

  Deep emotions churned through Gabe. When he'd first met Casey he'd thought her crazy, scatterbrained, and a lunatic. But Casey was none of those things. She was the most loving, caring, unselfish woman he'd ever met.

  And she was a virgin. His virgin.

  He felt like beating on his chest and howling at the moon.

  Gabe reached up and loosened the lace ties at the corners of her bed, drawing the lace panels closed, veiling them into their own private little world as he'd envisioned when he'd first seen her bed. Lying down beside Casey, he pulled her into his arms, nestling her against his chest, and kissed her again and again.

  "Gabe?"

  "Shh, it's okay. Go to sleep, sweetheart."

  "But what about Henry S.?"

  "I'll leave before he gets up in the morning."

  Casey traced lazy lines around the corners of his mouth with her finger. "That's not what I meant. I don't want you to leave. I mean do you understand why I adopted him? You don't think I was selfish? He could have had two parents instead of one."

  Gabe's throat thickened. Casey made him feel emotions he'd never thought possible. "No, sweetheart. I think one of you is worth a hundred times more than any two other people combined."

  Casey closed her eyes and kissed Gabe's chest. He wanted to make her feel sated and loved but he didn't want to rush. Besides, he couldn't make promises to her right now. It was too soon. He had a job to do. An investigation to finish.

  She had a son and Henry S.' father on her tail.

  "Casey?"

  Casey's lids grew heavy. "Yes?"

  Guilt ate at him. He had to protect her and get to the bottom of the robbery case before she found out the truth.

  But she might hate him for telling her about the case.

  Still, she had enough to deal with.

  And she had given him her virginity. Maybe he could find this robber and she'd never have to know she'd even been implicated.

  "If you waited all this time to make love, why did you choose me?"

  Casey gently kissed the palm of his hand, then pressed it to her chest. "I told you, because I've never wanted anyone else before. And..." Casey yawned.